Pacific Islands trade mission makes inroads into China

27/10/2015

The Pacific Islands Trade &amp; Invest (PT&amp;I) Southern China Mission begins today with a delegation of Pacific Islands businesses arriving in Hong Kong and then travelling to the business hubs of Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan.<!--more-->

<strong>Pacific Periscope</strong> asked PT&amp;I Trade Commissioner David Morris what he has planned for the trade mission.

“We have a busy week of business matching, trade expos and meetings, designed to introduce businesses to opportunities in China and to meet potential business partners,” he said.

“There are strong opportunities in Southern China to attract investment, grow tourism and build new export markets for businesses in the Pacific Islands.

“Businesses in Southern China are very interested in building stronger links to the Pacific Islands. We are working with large and small Chinese businesses, from projects such as investment in electricity generation to importers looking for unique food and beverage, health and other products.”

The Chambers of Commerce from PNG and Samoa and companies from across the region are participating in the mission.

“One of the most exciting trends is the growth of an affluent population in Southern China that is keen to experience the unforgettable holiday destinations that the Pacific Islands offer”, Mr. Morris said.

The business mission includes Nauru Airlines, Cook Islands Tours and a number of tourism operators from Tonga, Whale Swim Fish &amp; Dive, Teta Tours and Travel and Sunshine Rental Cars.

“This is the time to be building relationships in Southern China because China is going through another huge transition in its economy and Chinese businesses are looking for new international sources of growth,” Mr. Morris said. “Chinese businesses are taking up the call from the Government to develop the so-called 21<sup>st</sup> Century Maritime Silk Road. The concept involves both development aid and business, leveraging Chinese Government support in funding infrastructure and connectivity to build stronger trade, investment and tourism links to the region.”

PT&amp;I China’s focus on Southern China will continue in November, with a series of tourism seminars in Guangzhou and Chengdu in partnership with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and participation in Travel Mart at Kunming. PT&amp;I will also be promoting investment at the China Outbound Forum in Hainan next month.